SCHOOL PETROL DISREGARDED

Chronicle (Levin), 12 October 1946, Page 4

SCHOOL PETROL DISREGARDED

CAR DRIVER FINED IN FIRST LEVIN CASE Characterised ;by- Traffic Inspector Kehoe as the first case of its type to be heard locally, Penuel Gladyis O'Connell was charged at the Levin Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. A. M. Goulding, S.M., with failing to stop at a crossing being patrolled by a school patrol. Traffic Inspector Kehoe said that at 3.20 p.m. on July 23 last he received a complaint from the headmaster of the Levin School to the effect that the members of the school patrol were operating at the cfossing opposite the main entrance to the school, and while their signs were at the stop position a car had crossed the defined pedestrian crossing. The driver of the car was later located in the person of the defendant, who recalled the incident but disclaimed any knowledge of school patrols. He said that there could be no chance of the defendant not seeing Che patrol, as the members of it wore distinctive coats and bore prominent stop signs. Inspector Kehoe emphasised the fact that both the Transport Department and the Automobile Association had gone to considerable expense and trouble to train children for patrol duty, and pupil-N generally to respect the signs. v /' the children lost confidence rn* motorists' respect for the signs,' the' value of the training would be lost. His Worship concurred in the view of the inspector, and said that it would be calamitous if motorists disrespected the sign to stop, when children had been signalfed that the crossing was clear for pedestrian use. He convicted the defendant and imposed a fine of £2, with 12s costs.